How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas driver's licenses expire every 8 years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Your Texas driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. When it expires, you cannot legally drive—even if you have only days left on the card. Texas offers three ways to renew: online through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a DPS driver's license office. Which route you take depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license.

The online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option for most people, but it is not available to everyone. You can renew online only if your license has not been suspended or revoked, your address has not changed, you do not need a new photo, and your license is not more than two years expired. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

Texas driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew starting 60 days before the expiration date.
Online renewal through the DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo.
If your address has changed, your license is more than two years expired, or you need a new photo, you must renew by mail or in person at a DPS office.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment; processing takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license is suspended or revoked, and you will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity and residency.

Online renewal: the fastest route if you may have access to

If your address has not changed since your last license was issued, you do not need a new photo, and your license is not more than two years expired, you can renew online at the Texas DPS website. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $16.

You can start renewing online 60 days before your license expires. Once you complete the online renewal, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can still drive legally using your old license—the DPS will send you a temporary extension notice in the mail that you can carry with you if needed, though most officers will look up your renewal status in their system.

Online renewal is not available if you have a suspended or revoked license, if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, or if your license expired more than two years ago. In any of those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

If you cannot renew online but do not want to visit a DPS office, you can renew by mail. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver's License), which you can read from the DPS website or request by mail. You will also need to send in your current driver's license, a check or money order for $16, and proof of your new address if it has changed since your last license was issued.

Mail your completed form, current license, payment, and any required documents to the address listed on the DPS website. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. If your address has changed, make sure to include proof of the new address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license is suspended or revoked. It is also not available if your license expired more than two years ago; in that case, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office: required for some situations

You must renew in person at a DPS driver's license office if your license is suspended or revoked, if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need a new photo. In-person renewal also allows you to change your address, correct information on your license, or update your organ donor status at the same time.

To renew in person, you will need to bring your current driver's license and proof of identity. Acceptable proof of identity includes a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card. You will also need to bring proof of your current address if it has changed—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days is acceptable. If you are renewing because your license was suspended or revoked, bring documentation showing the suspension or revocation has been cleared.

Visit the DPS website to find the driver's license office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online. Processing times vary by location; some offices can issue your new license the same day, while others may take several days. The renewal fee is $16.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license has expired, you cannot legally drive. However, you can still renew it. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office—online and mail renewal are not available.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine, even if you have already submitted your renewal process. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires, since you can start the process 60 days in advance.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew by mail, include proof of your new address. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address and the DPS will update your record during the renewal process.

If you want to make other changes to your license during renewal—such as updating your name, correcting your date of birth, or changing your organ donor status—you must renew in person. Online and mail renewal do not allow you to make these changes. Bring any documents that support the change you want to make, such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a corrected birth certificate for a date of birth correction.

Fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for a Texas driver's license is $16, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers the eight-year license validity period. If you are renewing in person and want to make additional changes—such as updating your address or organ donor status—the fee remains $16.

For online renewal, you can pay with a debit or credit card. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order. For in-person renewal, most DPS offices accept cash, debit, credit cards, and checks. Some offices may have different payment options, so check with your local office if you have questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

If you renewed online or by mail before your license expired, you can continue to drive legally while the DPS processes your renewal and mails your new license. If your license has already expired, you cannot legally drive, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this problem.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

If you lost your license, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring proof of identity and proof of your address. The DPS will issue you a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license was not yet expired.

How do I know my renewal was received if I mailed it in?

The DPS does not send a confirmation when your mail renewal is received. You can check the status of your renewal on the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not see your renewal listed after two weeks, contact your local DPS office to confirm it arrived.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

An unpaid traffic fine or ticket does not prevent you from renewing your driver's license. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines, you must resolve that issue before renewing in person. Contact the court or the DPS to find out whether your license is suspended.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, proof of your address, and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DPS will update your name and issue a new license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.